Oil Breather Filter, with Offset 1/2 Inlet

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the health of your air-cooled flat-four, proper crankcase ventilation is non-negotiable. The EMPI Oil Breather Filter with an offset 1/2-inch inlet is engineered to provide maximum airflow while preventing harmful contaminants from entering your engine''s internal oiling system. In a high-performance or even a stock VW engine, crankcase pressure can build up quickly; without a high-quality filter like this gauze-element unit, you risk blown seals or messy oil leaks. The offset design is particularly crucial for builders working in the tight confines of a Type 1 engine bay, allowing you to position the filter away from the fan shroud or carburetor linkage where a traditional center-mount filter might interfere with moving parts or cooling airflow.

Beyond its functional performance, this EMPI breather filter adds a classic, polished aesthetic to your engine compartment. Featuring a high-luster chrome top and a rugged, washable gauze element, it is built to withstand the vibrating, high-heat environment of a Volkswagen engine. Whether you are finishing a show-quality Beetle restoration or plumbing a custom breather box on a long-travel sand rail, this 1/2-inch I.D. filter provides the versatility you need for various vacuum and ventilation setups. It serves as an excellent upgrade over stock plastic or foam breathers, offering superior filtration efficiency and a reusable design that pays for itself over the life of your vehicle. At Appletree Automotive, we know that the small details make the biggest difference in reliability, and this EMPI filter is a staple for any serious VW enthusiast.

FITMENT

This oil breather filter is designed for universal application on 1/2-inch (12.7mm) tubes, commonly found on the following air-cooled Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard & Super): 1950 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (with upright Type 1 engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx clones, and Trikes utilizing Type 1, 2, or 3 engine cases.

SPECS

Technical specifications for the EMPI 00-9053-0 Oil Breather Filter:

• Inlet Diameter: 1/2 Inch (12.7mm) Inside Diameter.
• Inlet Configuration: Offset design for maximum clearance in tight spaces.
• Filter Media: High-flow, washable cotton gauze element.
• Top Material: Triple-plated chrome-finished steel cap.
• Base Material: Durable steel with high-grip mounting surface.
• Attachment Style: Push-on fitment (can be secured with a small hose clamp if desired).
• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-9053-0.
• Brand: EMPI.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Maximize Clearance with the Offset Design

The primary advantage of the 00-9053-0 is its offset inlet. When installing this on a custom breather box or a modified oil filler stand, rotate the filter body so that the bulk of the element sits away from your carburetor linkage or the fan shroud. This prevents the filter from rubbing against metal components, which can cause vibrations, noise, or even wear a hole through the filter gauze over time. Always check the full range of your throttle linkage to ensure there is no contact after installation.

Tip 2: Maintenance and Cleaning Procedures

Unlike disposable paper filters, this gauze element is reusable. To keep your engine breathing freely, you should clean the filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or more frequently if you drive in dusty off-road environments. Use a specialized filter cleaner or a mild degreaser to break down the oil vapor trapped in the gauze. Rinse from the inside out with low-pressure water, let it air dry completely, and apply a very light coat of filter oil. Do not over-oil the filter, as excess oil can drip onto your engine or attract more dirt than necessary.

Tip 3: Managing Excessive Blow-By

If you notice an excessive amount of oil mist soaking your filter quickly, it may be a sign of high crankcase pressure or "blow-by" from worn piston rings. While this filter is excellent for venting, it is not a substitute for a proper breather box system on high-displacement or high-compression engines. For performance builds, we recommend plumbing your vent lines to a remote breather box and using this filter as the final atmospheric vent on top of the box. This allows the oil mist to condense and drain back into the engine while still allowing the crankcase to breathe through the clean EMPI gauze element.